A critical understanding of racialisation throughout history is essential to fully comprehend the complexities of contemporary racial discrimination. The overt and covert differential treatment based on the distinction between races and ethnic groups has historically had a heavy influence on the shaping of societal structures and attitudes. Through the lens of post-colonial theory, we can deconstruct the lingering effects of colonialism on racial representations, narratives, and discriminatory practices in formerly colonised nations, revealing the complexities of racism beyond simplistic categorisations.
Fueled by a belief in racial superiority, colonialism's core transcended mere exploration, exemplified by the doctrine of the 'civilising mission' used to justify European domination over 'inferior' races. This ideology manifested in the establishment of rigid racial hierarchies and Eurocentric dominance during colonial peaks. Racial discrimination comes in many forms, from blatant policies like segregation to subtler everyday biases. This can prevent certain racial and ethnic groups from enjoying equal rights in areas like culture, politics, and economics. For example, in colonial Africa, European powers established racial hierarchies with Africans at the bottom and Asians occupying a distinct and separate, but still unequal, rung. These colonial systems, with their varying policies across the continent, laid the groundwork for the enduring idea of "white" superiority. Colorism a form of prejudice within racial groups based on skin tone, also plays a role. For example, Latinx and African descendant communities grapple with this legacy of historical racial mixing during colonial times (Chavez-Dueñas et al, 2014).
Even today, these racialised structures hold immense power, shaping who has advantages and who faces discrimination. But how much do pre- and post-colonialism influence the discrimination we see today? Is it the only factor, or are there others? The rise of "new racism" or "differentialist racism" reflects changing patterns of discrimination. This often operates through stereotypes, microaggressions – everyday comments or actions – and institutional/structural racism that can be subtler, harder to recognise, but equally harmful. Furthermore, the experience and expression of racial discrimination vary significantly across different racial groups, social settings and contexts. This is intricately linked to how individuals from various backgrounds see themselves and others (Hellen & Balint, 2022).
Decolonisation theories explore how the effects of colonialism linger, further worsened by neocolonialism which maintains a Eurocentric dominance in education, language, and cultural norms. Author Ngugi wa Thiong'o, in his essay "Decolonizing the Mind," argues that cultural hegemony can be profound. People can lose faith in their heritage and traditions, drawn to the coloniser's language and values to fit in. This impact is still felt today. Colonised countries grapple with the weight of their colonial past, woven into their education systems and cultural identity. Meanwhile, former colonisers often exhibit surprising ignorance of this shared history, highlighting the unequal power dynamic where the colonised were compelled to learn the coloniser's language, but not vice versa.
The idea of a "post-racial" society, where race no longer influences discrimination, feels increasingly utopian. The United States, despite significant progress in overcoming its overtly racist past of segregation, still grapples with deeply embedded systemic discrimination. Movements like Black Lives Matter serve as stark reminders that racialised violence and discrimination are still prevalent. These disparities aren't limited to criminal justice – they're woven into institutions affecting everything from income and education to health and employment. South Africa's ongoing struggle with the legacy of apartheid, a system built on colonialism and segregation, echoes this reality. France, on the other hand, founded on the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity rejects social hierarchies based on race. However, these ideals often clash with reality, as ethnic minorities from former French colonies in Africa and the Caribbean face challenges navigating inclusion and exclusion in French society. This complex web of historical injustices continues to manifest in daily realities, policies, and social interactions across the globe.
While contemporary societies grapple with various forms of racial discrimination, the severity and nature of these issues vary greatly. For the dream of a "post-racial" world to become a reality, acknowledging these complexities – how racism manifests differently across contexts – is crucial for dismantling its enduring grip. Initiatives like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and affirmative action programs are steps in the right direction. However, as globalisation and transnationalism rise, we must continually adapt our approach to addressing race-based discrimination and crafting effective anti-discriminatory responses.
REFERENCES
- Bassil, N. N. (2005). The Legacy of Colonial Racism in Africa. AQ: Australian Quarterly, 77(4), 27–40. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20638352
- Chavez-Dueñas, N. Y., Adames, H. Y., and Organista, K. C. (2014). Skin-Color Prejudice and Within-Group Racial Discrimination: Historical and Current Impact on Latino/a Populations. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 36(1), 3-26. https://doi.org/10.1177/0739986313511306
- Hellen, Z. and Balint Abel B. (2022). "Introduction to the Special Issue: Far from Colorblind. Reflections on Racialization in Contemporary Europe" Social Sciences 11, no. 1: 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci11010021
- Jonah D. L. (2016) A Divided Republic: Nation, State and Citizenship in Contemporary France. French History, Vol 30, Issue 3, Pages 442–444, https://doi.org/10.1093/fh/crw049
About the author:
Taofeekat Adigun is currently a student on the International Development Masters in Public Health. She is the 2023 Sheffield African Scholarship recipient. She also serves as the Vice President of Sheffield World Health Organisation, a health-themed simulation conference modelled after the World Health Organisation (WHO). Currently, she is a 2024 UK Youth Ambassador for One Campaign and the vice president of AAPoRG - the all African Postgraduate Research Network.